UCSB Shines Early and Holds on to Win Third in a Row, 59-47 Over Cal State Northridge

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -
UC Santa Barbara used a 29-4 first half run to take a commanding 24-point lead, but then had to hold off a second half run by Cal State Northridge to record its third straight win, 59-47.

The Gauchos, now 10-5 overall and 4-2 in the Big West, trailed 8-7 with 13:03 to go in the first half but outscored the Matadors 29-4 over the next 11 minutes to take a 36-12 lead. UCSB went into half with a 21 point lead, 38-17. In the first 20 minutes, the Gauchos outshot Cal State Northridge 58.3% to 37.5%, forced 13 turnovers and won the battle of the boards, 16-6.

The second half was a different story as the Matadors, now 6-9 overall and 2-5 in league play, limited UCSB to 11 points in the first 14:26, outscoring the Gauchos 26-11 and pulling to within six, 49-43. In addition, Northridge forced ten second half turnovers.

After Thomas Shewmake made a pair of free throws to make the score 49-43 with 5:34 to go in the game, the Matadors called timeout to set-up a defense. Santa Barbara, however, responded with a three-pointer from Joe See, a pair of free throws by See, a lay-up by Bryan Whitehead, a free throw by Cameron Goettsche and finally, a free throw by Whitehead. The 9-0 run boosted the Gauchos' lead back to 58-43 and they glided cruised from there.

The Gauchos finished the game with a 56.8% mark from the field, but they attempted just 13 shots in the second half and made just 3-of-13 from three-point range for the game. Northridge shot 39.5% and turned the ball over 19 times.

Santa Barbara was paced by Branduinn Fullove who scored 13 points. See finished with 11 points and a career-high six assists and Whitehead tied his season-high with ten points. The Matadors were led by Davin White who had 18 points and four steals and Ian Boylan who had 14 points.

UCSB will travel to Stockton on Saturday, January 24 for a 3:00 p.m. game against Pacific. The game will be broadcast by Fox Sports Net 2 in Southern California.